Windows - 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System?

Windows – 32 or 64 Bit?

Windows 7 and 8 are available in both 32 bit and 64 bit versions for at least some of the versions of each product – but which should you choose, and does it matter?

Historically, Windows XP was the first version of Windows to support 64 bit processing. This allows systems to have more than 4GB of RAM and better handle larger data files and more applications running at once. However, not many software vendors had produced software tested in 64 bit environments and there were considerable compatibility issues.

Now, some years later, the 64-bit versions Windows 7 and 8 work at least as well as their 32-bit versions, as long as the system has at least 2GB RAM – and preferably 4GB.

Microsoft Office 32 bit or 64 bit?

It should be noted that there is also a 64-bit version of Microsoft Office – but this is NOT recommended for general use AT ALL. There are many compatibility issues and restrictions with the 64-bit version of Office and the standard 32-bit version should be used on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows installations.